Texas football quietly has 1 of the top recruiting classes in the country after dream run

Texas has been on some kind of heater in recruiting.

We knew the class was going to be good. The classes are always good under Steve Sarkisian, but to flip James Johnson from Georgia, land the commitment of five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson and lure blue-chip running back Derrek Cooper from South Florida in less than a week. It's next-level stuff.

This sort of run proves that Texas can operate at another level on the trail. Sarkisian made a few changes on the staff that have made a difference on the trail. Running backs coach Chad Scott is a known big-game hunter on the trail and has often landed top players at less prominent programs like Kentucky and North Carolina. 

Adding Errin Joe as Director of Scouting brings another level of professionalism to the operation. Joe cut his teeth at Alabama as Assistant Player of Personnel before becoming General Manager at Georgia Tech and eventually arriving in Austin. Joe is known for his work ethic and organizational skills. He makes everyone's job a little easier. 

Insider: Recruits are flocking to Texas for more than NIL dollars"

To dig a little deeper, I reached out to Orangebloods.com columnist Anwar Richardson to discuss what Texas is doing better in recruiting and why it isn't all tied to having a big NIL budget.

"I think it's a variety of things," Richardson said. "Yes, NIL plays a part, but every team is paying somebody something at this point, right? The NIL salary cap is going to be a great equalizer. What makes the biggest difference is Sark being a little younger and relatable to guys. He has an NFL background, which means he's used to being a straight shooter, which helps in recruiting.And I think Texas has done a good job at thinking outside their border and doing a good job at recruiting around the nation, especially the South. "

Richardson goes on to add that Texas' focus is still on the top in-state prospects, but they also realize that the recruiting arm has to stretch further, especially being in the SEC. 

"After consecutive semifinal appearances in the College Football Playoff, Texas is now competing at an elite level," Richardson continued. "It's a spot you want to be in. That plus the SEC, plus coaching and development, have made a huge impact."

In a short period of time, Sarkisian has turned on-field wins into wins on the recruiting trail. And once these 'Horns start running, they will be nearly impossible to stop.